Singapore: Changes to EntrePass regulation
Description
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower has introduced changes to the country's EntrePass framework effective 28 September 2009. The EntrePass framework regulates access of foreign business start ups to the city-state. The new regulation subjects receipt and renewal of such permits to various new qualifications.
From the end of September 2009, foreign entrepreneurs seeking to set up a business in Singapore need to supply at least S$ 50'000 in capital, up from S$ 3'000. Also, the new EntrePass framework requires successful applicants to own a stake of 30 percent or more of the established company, and the company to be of a certain legal form.
As for the renewal of EntrePass permits, the Ministry now requires participants to employ mimimum numbers of local employees and to reach certain thresholds of business expenditure within Singapore. Depending on the type of permit, at least 2 to 8 locals have to be employed. Mimimum total business spending ranges from S$ 100'000 to S$ 300'000.
Any Evidence-Based Deliberation:
| Question | Result |
|---|---|
| Is there anything in the public record to suggest that evidence of the effectiveness of the proposed measure was considered during official deliberations? | |
| Is there any evidence that alternatives to the proposed measure were considered? | |
| Is there anything in the public record that suggests that empirical evidence informed the comparison across the alternatives available to government? | |
| Was such evidence identified? | |
| Is such evidence publicly available? | |
| Did the official decision-maker in question provide an explanation as to why a chosen measure was favoured over alternatives? | |
| Is there any evidence to suggest that potentially affected trading partners were consulted before the measures were taken? | |
| Is there any evidence that safeguards have been put in place to ensure that implementation of the initiative is transparent and non-discriminatory? | |
| Did the government state its intention to review the measure within one year of implementation? |
Date Discovered:
Implemented: Yes
Date of inception: 28 Sep 2009
GTA Evaluation: Red
Source:
Ministry of Manpower. (21 September 2009). Changes to EntrePass Framework. Available at http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/momportal/en/communities/work_pass/other_p...
Ministry of Manpower. (23 September 2009). New EntrePass Framework - FAQ. Available at http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/etc/medialib/mom_library/work_pass/files5....
Government Response:
- 490 reads
